President Jin Li, Professor Marie Harder,  

Distinguished guests,  

Colleagues and friends, 

Good afternoon! On behalf of UNDP China, I am delighted to extend my warm congratulations to Fudan University on the launch of the Sustainable Development Institute, or SDI. 

This is a timely and important initiative. With the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals fast approaching, the world continues to face complex and interconnected challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss, to inequality, technological transformation, and uncertainty in the global economy.  

Addressing these challenges requires not only strong research, but also new institutional platforms that can bring together knowledge, people, institutions and collective action. 

In this regard, UNDP applauds Fudan University on its forward-looking vision, emphasizing the importance of connecting disciplines, resources and partners more effectively, and organizing academic strengths around real-world challenges.  

Indeed, the launch of SDI is a strong reflection of this vision. As a university-level strategic hub, SDI is well-positioned to convene and integrate expertise across schools, disciplines and platforms, and to combine research, education, practice and governance for sustainable development. 

I am particularly encouraged by SDI’s people-centred and problem-oriented approach. After all, sustainable development is ultimately about people – their opportunities, livelihoods, resilience, dignity and capacity to shape a better future. By bringing together science, policy and practice, SDI can help translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that support inclusive and sustainable transformation. 

To this end, UNDP China sees strong potential for continued dialogue and deeper cooperation with Fudan University and SDI moving forward. Indeed, our new Country Programme Document launched at the start of this year which is closely aligned with the priorities set out in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizes critical areas including low-carbon development, rural revitalization, and South-South cooperation – all of which provide promising opportunities for future collaboration and joint research. 

At UNDP, we also know that sustainable development cannot be achieved by any one institution alone. It requires broad-based partnerships that are practical, inclusive and built to last. We therefore also look forward to working together with Fudan to expand upon our collaboration moving forward by inviting universities and research institutions across China to join us in turning dialogue into action, ideas into impact, and local experience into knowledge that can benefit China and the wider world. 

In closing, let me express once again my congratulations to President Jin Li, Professor Marie Harder, and all colleagues at Fudan who have made this important initiative possible.  

I wish the Sustainable Development Institute every success as it grows into a dynamic hub for knowledge, innovation and partnership, helping to advance a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for everyone, everywhere. 

Thank you.